Self-Development of People is a ministry that affirms God’s concern for humankind. We are Presbyterians and ecumenical partners dissatisfied with poverty and oppression, united in faith and action through sharing, confronting, and enabling. We participate in the empowerment of economically poor, oppressed, and disadvantaged people, seeking to change the structures that perpetuate poverty, oppression and injustice.

The Alumni Group, Wallingford, PA: former substance abusers working in low-paying jobs came together & created transitional housing for at risk low-to-no income men who also have graduated from a long-term drug rehabilitation facility & have a desire to succeed & not relapse .

Holy Smokes! Café, Harwick, PA: unemployed short-order cooks with a passion to feed the hungry, regardless of the ability to pay. By accepting donations at meals, they were able to create a business & continue to feed those who cannot pay

Second Cup, Pittsburgh, PA: low income parents created a Coffee House/Co-op to teach each other life skills to improve themselves, their children, and their economic situation

Angel Treats, Duquesne, PA: chocolate candy business (pictured on right) formed by disadvantaged teens as part-time jobs which prepared them for the future by acquiring business and social skills in a very economically depressed area

Stargazers, Pittsburgh, PA: unemployed group that came together with shared musical talents to break into the music business